Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 88

Xena's POV

"He's at the swing set in the west corner of the playground," William said, looking at me with concerned eyes.

"Thanks," I replied, giving Ama and William a small wave before walking out of the room

and heading toward the playground.

The wind had picked up outside, whipping my hair around my face as I spotted Ryder sitting alone on a swing, staring off into the distance. His broad shoulders were hunched slightly, his light blonde hair ruffled by the breeze. My heart clenched at the sight of him.

"Ryder..." I called softly.

He stopped swinging, only turning his head slightly to glance at me, his expression unreadable. Those green eyes that usually looked at me with such intensity now seemed

distant, guarded.

"I'm sorry," I said, walking up to stand in front of him. I reached out, cupping his face between my hands. "You did something really sweet for me, and I didn't respond the right way. I truly appreciate everything you've done."

Ryder remained motionless, saying nothing. The silence built between us like a wall, thick and impenetrable. My heart raced in my chest, each beat painful against my ribs.

"Ryder, please?" I whispered, my voice catching. The fear of his rejection cut deeper than any physical wound ever could. I felt like I couldn't breathe, each second of waiting draining what little courage I had left. "I really am sorry."

He sighed, finally standing up from the swing. Fear washed over me like a tidal wave, my heart gripped tight in an invisible fist. Once again, I'd messed up a relationship. Once again, I'd disappointed someone who cared about me.

I rose on my tiptoes and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead before turning to leave, my chest aching with each breath.

A strong gust of wind swept through the playground, blowing my hair across my face and hiding the tears that had started rolling down my cheeks. Just then, Ama and William

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Chapter 88

came running over.

"X?" Ama asked, her voice filled with concern.

"You guys have fun. I'm going for a walk," I said, heading down the steps, desperate to escape the suffocating scene.

"What the hell, Ryder?" I could still hear William's angry question behind me.

than she's given anyone, and you're letting tonight go to waste over this?"

damn hard for me, and now

began to set. Most people were inside having dinner, so I

beckon me. I sat down on a bench, letting

to move out tomorrow anyway,

when I looked up to see Ama instead of

further. In that moment, the spark of hope died, replaced by a profound

girl," she said

up this time," I gave her a sad smile as she sat down and reached for

hand.

hard for you, but

I struggled to make her understand I wasn't unwilling to change, just

that

I sighed,

chest.

it, he's just not ready to

side, this birthday won't be worse than the others,"

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Chapter 88

all those lonely birthdays-no cake, no well-wishes, just

stare and

him some time. He'll come

tomorrow?" I looked at her, the uncertainty evident

afraid of losing him, more afraid than I wanted to

smiled, then looked over my shoulder. I

see

Ama stood up and gave me a

"Thank you," I whispered.

lingered in my ear as

down on the other end of the bench, the

I felt like a damn child

will," I finally broke the silence, my voice small

nudged my arm with

stood up nervously and walked over to him. Ryder spread his legs, making room for me to sit on his lap. I

comfort in

feeling the

afraid of?" he asked,

over me," I admitted, the first time I'd